Description

The Lhasa Apso is an ancient, small breed which has beautiful dark eyes that are mysteriously appealing. Their long bodies sit atop short legs that make for a very hardy little dog. They have long, coarse coats that come in many colors and patterns that is neither silk nor wooly.

The Lhasa Apso has characteristics of serious watchfulness, acute senses and is very intelligent. Its keen eye, quick hearing, and fine instinct for recognizing the difference between friend and foe make it an ideal watch dog. They are easily trained with loving but firm commands as they are very responsive to kindness and positive reinforcement using rewards. Lhasa Apso\'s are happy and long lived, adaptable and good with families including children when raised around them. It is one of the strongest minded of all small breeds but equally lives to please its owner. It is playful and curious yet remains calm and subdued in nature. It makes a wonderful housedog that does not need a lot of exercise. The Lhasa Apso likes heights and are excellent climbers. Owners should not be surprised if they find their Lhasa perched on top of tall furniture or on the dashboard of their vehicle. Lhasa\'s are also fond of caves and will create their own under a table, chair or desk.

The are very sturdy, resilient and despite their often fragile appearances, are of tough character and very independent. The Lhasa is totally devoted to their owners and families and cheerfully provides unconditional love and uncomparable affection for many years.

Coat Description

The Lhasa Apso\'s double coat consists of a thick, top undercoat which is long, heavy, straight and coarse with a moderate undercoat being much softer. Their coat is neither silky nor wooly and can become matted easily if not properly groomed on a regular basis.

History

The Lhasa Apso is the most popular breed indigenous to Tibet. Sometimes they are known as the Tibetan apso. The name apso means goat like and long hair. In Tibet Lhasa Apso\'s are a treasured dog of the privileged. The Lhasa Apso made wonderful guardians as well as loyal companions. They were the only breed in Tibet owned by the holy men and the nobles. They were used as watch dogs in the temples and monasteries. The people of Tibet greatly respected these little dogs. They were never sold or bought but given as gifts and it was considered a great honor to receive one.

The Lhasa Apso was once known as the Lhasa Terrier and was developed/created 800 years ago. The Lhasa Apso is called the Abso Seng Kyi or bark lion sentinel dog in it\'s home land where Tibetans favor a fail safe security system. The Lhasa Apso first appeared in the western world in 1901 when Mrs. McClearan Morrison returned to England with several of these little dogs.

The Lhasa Apso was officially recognized by AKC in 1935 and was called the Lhasa Terrier. The name was officially changed to Lhasa Apso in 1944.

Temperament

The Lhasa Apso is gentle, happy, outgoing and devoted little dog. It has a bold temperament and is playful and affectionate which makes for a lively and friendly companion for other pets, children or elderly folk. Lhasa\'s are very people oriented and does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A favorite pastime of the Lhasa Apso would be quietly napping next to its owner. Though it is a very regal looking species, its character is tough and ever so hardy.

Although the Lhasa Apso is courageous and adaptable, it does not like rough handling or loud harsh words. Lhasa Apso\'s are timid yet can be assertive and strong willed with minds of their own. They are very intelligent, quite sensitive and do not respond well to raised voices which can cause them to be depressed. Their intelligence scores them many points during training as they seem to live to please their owners. Having been bred to be watch dogs, Lhasa Apso\'s tend to be alert and have a keen sense of hearing with a rich, sonorous bark that is deceptive of their size. They must not be overly spoiled as they may develop behavioral problems.

The Lhasa is in a class of it\'s own when it comes to showing devotion towards a loving, gentle and firm but kind owner. Although they can be obstinate, they are forever loyal. The Lhasa is calm in nature and makes a wonderful lap dog for all ages and allows it ample enjoyment during traveling. In its moods of playfulness, they can be quite entertaining an very enjoyable.

Thyroid Disease - Low Risk

The Lhasa Apso ranks #101 among all breeds for autoimmune thyroiditis prevalence. This is considered a low risk breed so your chances of obtaining a dog with the disease is small. It is still suggested that dogs meant for breeding still be tested to help bring the incidence of disease even lower (or even eliminate it). 

You can download the full report (on all breeds) by the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. Here

Other Health Problems

The Lhasa Apso is relatively free of health problems with the few exceptions. Ear infections can occur if the ears are not dried properly after bathing, or kept free of unnecessary hair in the ear itself. Their eyes may tear if the hair is not kept out of their faces. A skin condition known as Sebaceous adenitis causes irritations of the skin resulting in hot spots (localized skin infections), hair loss, flaking of the skin and itching. The Lhasa Apso can suffer from genetic kidney problems These problems seem to be in certain breed lines rather than the whole breed.